Laken Riley Act Gains Bipartisan Backing as It Moves Forward in Senate
Schumer and his fellow Democrats voted in favor of advancing the bill but expressed the desire for discussions and potential amendments.
WASHINGTON—The Senate has decisively voted 84–9 to advance the Laken Riley Act, indicating strong support for its passage in the upcoming vote next week. The legislation previously passed the House with a vote of 264–159 on January 6, backed by 48 Democrats.
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants arrested for theft, burglary, or shoplifting. It also permits states to sue the federal government if it does not uphold specific immigration policies and practices.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has been a cosponsor of the bill since its introduction.
“Immigration is a cornerstone of our nation’s greatness. I advocate for empowering authorities with the necessary tools to avert tragedies like this, all while we strive for comprehensive reforms to our flawed immigration system.”
Support from Democrats increased on January 8 when Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) declared their backing for the initiative.
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While the bill appears poised for approval, with the GOP holding a 53–47 majority in the Senate, it remains uncertain whether it will maintain its current language, as lawmakers may contend for amendments.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) clarified that his support to advance the bill to debate does not equate to a ‘yes’ vote on the legislation itself.
“Democrats are eager for a vigorous discussion wherein we can propose amendments and enhance the bill,” Schumer remarked.
The Laken Riley Act is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, who tragically lost her life to an assault while jogging near the University of Georgia campus in February 2024.
The perpetrator, Jose Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, had a record of previous arrests for shoplifting.
He was apprehended after surveillance footage captured him discarding a jacket that held Riley’s hair in a dumpster close to his residence.
On November 20, 2024, Ibarra was found guilty on ten charges, including murder and aggravated assault with intent to rape, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Riley’s murder catalyzed stricter state legislation regarding criminal illegal immigrants, which Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law on May 1, 2024.
